Phil Ivey

Phil Ivey really needs no introduction to poker fans around the world. At the age of 33 he already has seven WSOP bracelets (two won earlier this summer), over $12m in tournament winnings and a reputation as the most feared cash game player in the world both online and live. All in all, most pundits agree that he without doubt the best poker player in the world right now.

Despite close calls in 2003 and 2005, where he finished 10th and 20th respectively, Ivey has never made the WSOP Main Event final table before. Although he exhibits a laidback, seemingly carefree attitude Ivey admitted that people ‘have no idea how badly he wanted to make this final table.’

Harrah’s, the WSOP and the rest of the poker world will also be elated at Ivey’s progress to the November Nine as it should assure unprecedented levels of mainstream coverage for poker. Though he is placed 7th in the chip counts you’d have to be a fool to write off Ivey’s chances of making history come November.